Josh. 13:1

"When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, 'You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over'"

On the one hand, Joshua could have responded to this observation with discouragement. He had fought so long, and yet there was still so much to do. But God wanted the next generation of the Hebrew nation to participate in the excitement of His miracles. They too needed to be tested and to prove themselves faithful. Likewise, the recognition that some 10,000 peoples are without a church community can appear discouraging. But the job is “do-able” for those willing to serve the purpose of God in their own generation.

Savior, we trust You to do great wonders among the nations!

Sunni Muslim Turks of Turkey

In May, a Turkish lawyer rushed into court and shot five judges! One died and the others suffered severe injuries. This radical response demonstrates the strong feelings many Turks hold about Islamic attire. The judges had ruled that a nursery school teacher could not wear a headscarf even when she was not teaching.

Another hot issue is the abuse found in state-run orphanages. A television channel recently showed scenes where an attendant stripped small children and sprayed them with scalding water. Investigations showed terrible neglect and mistreatment of babies and young children. A Turkish social worker said, “This has been going on for years.”

God does not take such abuse lightly. People mistreating others need to realize our Creator made human beings in His own image. We are to treat each other as we wish others would treat us. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me” (Luke 9:48a). Could it be that whoever abuses a child abuses the Creator?

Pray that those who are cruel in Turkey may turn to Christ, and display His character so that He may be glorified. Ask God to reveal biblical truths so Turks will realize how much He loves them. May they become His children and display His loving kindness to others.-AK